02/09/2026
Congratulations to our Judge!!! Well Deserved!!
McNeely named Person of the Year
Posted Wednesday, February 4, 2026 9:00 am
It is a privilege to recognize and celebrate the life and service of Richard McNeely — a man whose impact on Swainsboro and Emanuel County spans generations and whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of this community.
Richard’s journey began right here. He graduated from Swainsboro High School in 1979, already demonstrating the work ethic, loyalty, and leadership that would come to define his life. He continued his education at Emanuel County Junior College, graduating in 1981, before earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Banking and Finance from the University of Georgia in 1983. During those formative years at UGA, Richard met Renae Ward — a meeting that would grow into a lifelong partnership and the foundation of his family and faith.
Richard went on to graduate from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1986. While in law school, he spent his summers as a law clerk for Sidney Shepherd, gaining invaluable experience and developing a deep respect for the law and for service through the legal profession. In November of 1986, Richard and Renae were married, beginning a marriage marked by devotion, mutual support, and shared commitment to family and community. That same year, Richard began practicing law with Rountree and Cadle. After nearly two decades of dedicated work, he established his own law practice in 2003, continuing a career defined by integrity, fairness, and trust.
Family has always been central to Richard’s life. He and Renae are the proud parents of two children: Rachel Gunn, married to Beau Gunn, and Rick McNeely, married to Sydney Bush McNeely. His role as “Papa” to four grandchildren — Elyce and Juliet Gunn, and Murdock and Townes McNeely — is one he embraces with joy and pride. To his family, Richard is a steady presence, a wise counselor, and a source of unwavering love.
Richard’s faith has guided him throughout his life. He has been deeply involved at First Methodist Church, where he has served faithfully in many roles, including chairman of the board, youth Sunday School teacher, and head usher. His commitment to spiritual growth and servant leadership extended to Walk to Emmaus, where he served both as Lay Director and Chairman of the Board, helping to strengthen faith communities and inspire others in their walk.
A lifelong supporter of youth and athletics, Richard loved and lived for Dixie Youth Baseball. Long before his own son took the field, Richard coached his nephews, sharing lessons not only about the game, but about teamwork, discipline, and character. He has been an avid and loyal supporter of Swainsboro High School athletics — especially baseball, volleyball, and tennis — rarely missing a game. In earlier years, he even served as a ball boy, a small role that reflected a lifelong enthusiasm for supporting local students and schools.
Richard’s record of civic service is both extensive and extraordinary. He has been an active member of the Rotary Club, serving in many leadership roles, including president, and has been honored as both a Will Watt Fellow and a Paul Harris Fellow — recognition of his commitment to service above self. He has served as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Board of Elections, and as both a member and chairman of the East Georgia State College Foundation. He currently serves on the Millcreek Foundation Board, continuing his commitment to education, growth, and opportunity for future generations.
Professionally, Richard has dedicated his legal career to serving the people of Emanuel County. He has served as Municipal Court Judge in Swainsboro, Twin City, and Adrian, and in 2012 was elected State Court Judge — a role he has carried out with fairness, wisdom, and respect for the law. He also serves as attorney for the Emanuel County Commissioners, the Emanuel County Hospital Authority, the Emanuel County Development Authority and works with the Lazarus Project, further reflecting his heart for service and compassion for others.
Above all else, Richard McNeely is known as a loving and dedicated son, husband, father, and Papa. His life is marked not by titles alone, but by the quiet consistency of showing up, serving faithfully, and caring deeply for the people and place he calls home. His love for Swainsboro and Emanuel County is evident in every role he has taken on and every life he has touched.
And, of course, no recognition of Richard would be complete without mentioning the one small limitation he cheerfully acknowledges: he does not fly with his family. He flew exactly once — as Chamber of Commerce president — during a fueling demonstration at Warner Robins. After determining that the female pilot was clearly not nearly old enough to be in charge, Richard decided that some experiences truly only need to happen one time.
Today, we honor Richard McNeely for a lifetime of leadership, service, faith, and devotion. Swainsboro and Emanuel County are stronger, wiser, and better because of him.
